Teach Your Children Well: Saints and Scripture Sunday

Romans 12:5-7
so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach …

Looking over the calendar, we passed right over St Elizabeth Ann Seton’s feast day on January 4th. In my mind, she’s a go to saint for those of us who are homeschooling.

Born in New York in the 1700, she was raised in upper class New York society. Despite her social background, she lived a simple, quiet life. She married her husband, William Seton, in 1794. Shortly after they were married, William’s father died, leaving the couple to care for William’s many brothers and sisters. The family later moved to Italy in an effort to rescue their ailing shipping business as well as William’s health.

After the death of her husband, she joined the Catholic Church and later established the first free Catholic school in America. She is also the foundress of the Sisters of Charity in the United States. She is the first canonized saint born on U.S. soil.

There is no doubt in my mind that homeschooling is the right decision for our family, but it’s one of the most challenging things I’ve put on my plate. My youngest daughter and I are very much alike … strong willed, outspoken, with tempestuous spirits. On days that we clash, instead of beating my head against the desk, I’d be a bit better off to offer up a prayer to Mother Seton, asking for her intercession.

Link your Saints and Scripture post up below, and be sure and visit the other participants to spread the word.

Comments

I was named after Elizabeth Ann Seton! She’s a great saint although that is kind of biased. Although I’ve always liked her for all the work she did in education and as a daughter of teachers she has always been a role model in our home.

I just loved reading about St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. And something about her face in that painting really calls to me. What a gift to celebrate the women who have given so much. Just as you give to your children…we carry a rich heritage, don’t we? I’m so glad you linked to Playdates with God this week!

We consider the Saints a great big extended family — friends to emulate, and to turn to. Many of them had LOTS of issues …. hot tempers, etc, so it makes me feel good that God doesn’t ask for perfection, but for us to turn it over to him.